BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Cats HELP! Cat won't use the cat box

Hi. I'm a 'remote' kitty mom. I have a cat who is living with a friend for a while, because of my apartment's policy, and she told me today that she's going to have to find a new home for him. The problem is that no matter what she does, she can't get him to use the cat box! He's been to the vet recently, got his shots, a microchip and a check-up, and the vet says there's nothing physically wrong with him. He suggested that its a behavioural problem and that he would do well in a no-cat household (my friend has four others). She's tried everything to get him to use the litter box, but he refuses. He's about 7 years old, so he's not a kitten, just a stubborn old man, lol. And he gets along very well with her other cats, and her dog! Does anyone here have any suggestions? She really loves him and doesn't want to have to get rid of him. If I could, I'd bring him home, but that won't happen any time soon. And my son doesn't want him to go to a home with people he doesn't know. Thanks in advance for any help! Peace Sioux

It could be that the litter isn't clean when he wants to use it or maybe he doesn't like the type of litter being used. I would suggest to use a different litter and clean the box more often. It might also be worthwhile to invest in the littermaid or some other electric litter box if your friend doesn't have the time to clean it more often.

But if a cleaner box and different litter doesn't do it, then I'm afraid this might be a permanent issue. I had a similar problem with one of my cats and despite trying everything I mentioned above and then some, she just refused to use the litter box like all the other cats. I did my best to deal with it for several years but eventually, I gave up and decided that she was going to have to be an outdoor cat.

Hopefully your cat will come around soon. Good luck!

The common reasons why cats won't use a litter box:

1. It isn't clean. Not only should the litter be clean but the box should be wiped out and sanitized.
2. Too many cats use the same box. Cats don't like to share litter boxes. Get several.
3. The box is too small.
4. The cat doesn't like the odor of the litter or the cleanser used to clean it.
5. The litter box is in a place that the cat does not like (is it in an open area? Cats like privacy. Is it in a smelly place?)

Also, a seemingly defiant cat could be undergoing some form of stress, most likely in your case, separation from you.

Good luck!

I have multiple cats, and if the litter boxes are not kept clean, they will not want to use them. I trained my indoor cats to use the "pee pads" used for training puppies. I put these on the floor, and the litter boxes on top of the pads. My 3 legged cat doesn't like hopping in the litter box, so she started going on the pad near the litter box. These pads are much simpler to deal with than multiple litter boxes. you can put just a pad in an empty litter box, in place of litter. I just moved and had a cat fence built, so my cats are mostly outside but safe, no more litter boxes....